Diary book is a weekly roundup of human interest stories related to the transportation industry. This week: Logistics companies, trailer manufacturers and trucking nonprofits prepare to celebrate drivers for National Truck Driver Appreciation week.
CH Robinson appreciates leaders, literally
Global logistics provider CH Robinson announced Thursday the second year of events and giveaways aimed at honoring drivers during its annual National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
While the regular appreciation week lasts seven days, the global logistics provider is running its thanksgiving campaign, “Thank You for Everything, Literally,” for an extra week from September 11-23 to recognize leaders for delivering the essentials daily consumer.
“Working on this campaign has really changed the way we think about the products we use in our daily lives and reminded us that everything is delivered on a truck,” Cody Griggs, CH Robinson’s senior product manager, told FreightWaves. .
Griggs has worked in many roles for CH Robinson since 2004 and has enjoyed the past two years working on a thank you campaign that demonstrates the loyalty the logistics provider feels to its carrier network.
“For us, this is an act of service for us to say thank you, not only for what they do to support CH Robinson from a financial perspective, but to help our country function. We are able to show gratitude and we love to do it.”
To honor the drivers, CH Robinson has planned three different programs and events taking place over the 13-day period:
- For every message of thanks posted to drivers using #ThanksForEverythingLiterally on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram, the company will donate $5, up to $25,000, which will go to the nonprofit St. Louis Trucking Fund. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.
- CH Robinson will donate $1,000 to up to 10 carriers each business day. Carriers will be entered into that sweepstakes by booking and picking up a shipment from September 11-23.
- On September 12 from 15-19. CT, the company’s employees will join together to celebrate their loyal drivers at the Trails Travel Center outside its headquarters near Albert Lea, Minnesota. This event will include food, drinks and the chance to win company prizes and awards.
Saint Christopher knows the heroes of the highway
St. The Christopher Truckers’ Relief Fund (SCF), a non-profit organization that focuses on driver health initiatives and short-term relief when drivers find themselves on the job due to injury or illness, has launched its annual National Truck Driver Giving Campaign. Appreciation Week called the Highway Heroes Campaign.
This campaign highlights drivers who have had a significant impact on the driver community around them, including FreightWaves’ own Ingrid Brown.
“We all know how hard and tough it gets when things go wrong with your health and you’re completely dependent on yourself and your family for support,” said veteran truck driver Brown. “The bills don’t stop and nobody seems to understand that these days. With SCF, there is finally a comfort, a sigh of relief, in knowing that your electricity won’t go out or your insurance won’t lapse or you won’t lose your home. There’s a peace you feel knowing you don’t have to worry about anything but recovery and getting back to doing what you love to do.”
Other executives recognized for their service to the industry include Aaron Page, Katie Surmo, Hal Harper, Mark Girard, Joshua Jackson, William Rivera, James Rogers, Bruce Richards, Marty Ellis and Rick Ash.
The Highway Heroes campaign is sponsored by trucking and logistics companies, including Echo Global Logistics, Total Quality Logistics, Intact Insurance, Pilot Company, Progressive Commercial Insurance and Brenny Transportation.
Companies that participate and donate to the campaign can also submit driver stories and photos to be shared on the Highway Heroes page.
“We’re excited to partner with new and existing sponsors to spend not just a week, but an entire month showing truckers how much we appreciate them,” said Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy at SCF . “This campaign will bring positive exposure to the industry and highlight the kindness and generosity of the entire trucking community.”
Companies to watch:
- Column: The digital freight network announced Thursday that it has updated its express payment services for drivers to be eligible for payment within eight hours of delivery for a 1.5% fee. Speaking to FreightWaves, Convoy co-founder and carrier experience officer Grant Goodale said the 1.5% fee will be waived for all shipments booked from September 11-13. He also said the company will honor drivers with its Haul Star awards, similar to the Convoy program held last year. Prize details will be announced on September 15.
- Great Dane Trailers: The trailer manufacturer is holding a raffle to honor the drivers next week. Great Dane Trailer Drivers must enter the sweepstakes by 2:00 PM EST on September 11th to be entered into the weekly prize drawing. Prizes include Great Dane hats, Carhartt coolers and jackets, AirPods, pizza ovens, a Weber charcoal grill and various restaurant gift cards.
- Transfix: The digital freight platform announced Thursday that it will celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with its second TransFIX My Rig Truck Refurbishment Contest led by television host and licensed contractor Jason Cameron. Snellville, Georgia-based driver Jess Graham was awarded this year’s change, which will be revealed at a live event on September 13. The company will also be giving away Comfort-in-a-Box kits to other nominees, which will include an air freshener, a robe, a blanket, a succulent plant and other decorative items.
Watch Now: Driver Appreciation Week with CH Robinson
You may also like:
Record Book: University of Arkansas Supply Chain Program Renamed to Honor JB Hunt Transport
The Log Book: Ally Logistics launches ‘Road to the Reef’ campaign.
Record Book: Loadsmart, The Home Depot Foundation Gives Back to Veterans
The list of FREIGHTWAVES TOP 500 charter operators includes JB Hunt (No. 4).